# A transport company is considering switching its lorry fleet from diesel fuel to hydrogen fuel. Explain why burning hydrogen in an engine is considered more environmentally friendly than burning diesel fuel.

> OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433) — DF Developing fuels · Explain · 5 marks

> Diesel fuel is a hydrocarbon mixture derived from crude oil. Hydrogen can be produced from water using renewable energy and produces no carbon dioxide when it burns. However, if hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels, it still has an environmental impact.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Burning diesel produces carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), which contributes to climate change / global warming
2. Burning hydrogen produces only water (as the only product of combustion)
3. Burning diesel/hydrocarbons can also produce carbon monoxide, which is a toxic gas
4. Hydrogen fuel does not produce carbon monoxide (or soot/particulates), so no toxic/harmful combustion products are released
5. If hydrogen is made using renewable energy, the overall process does not deplete/use up fossil fuels and/or does not add net CO₂ to the atmosphere (sustainable / renewable source)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-transport-company-is-considering-switching-ef2d77ad) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.